Business, international

Island strategy

Article Abstract:

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mahathir Mohamad emphasized his country's claim to Batu Puteh island at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' meeting in Singapore on Jan 26, 1992. The assertion was made in view of the claims made by two other naighboring countries. Singapore has stated its claim based on its extended occupation of a lighthouse on the island, while the state of Johor has claimed it on historical grounds. The claim issue resurfaced when radar and navigational assistance facilities were being built on the island in 1989 and the Singapore navy sent away Johor fishermen.

Raiders of Riau: alarming surge in attacks on shipping

Article Abstract:

Pirates based in Indonesia's Riau province are believed to be responsible for the increasing attacks against shipping in the Malacca Strait. Unlike the highly organized piracy happening in the Gulf of Thailand and in Philippine waters, the Indonesian attacks disrupt shipping more frequently. Indonesian officials believe that these pirate groups are relatively unorganized but are otherwise well equipped.